Shelley Dresser's Personal Fundraising Page

How do you celebrate your birthday during a pandemic? Well it just so happens that Mass Audubon and the Maria Mitchell Association scheduled their Bird-at-home-a-thon on my birthday! The Bird-a-thon runs from May 15 – May 16 (my birthday). I am thankful for the birds that sing outside my window in the morning, it fills me with joy. Lately, I fall asleep with a barred owl asking me, Whoo cooks for you, whoo cooks for you all? I find the hoots to be soothing. Nature is truly healing in these tough times. For me, birding brings up many questions. What species are most prevalent, any unusual visitors, and who else might I see in the woods at night?

Bird-a-thons like these, help us understand biodiversity, the impact of climate change and the redistribution of species, and information garnered through careful observation may give us clues as to why we are losing birds at such a rapid rate.

Please consider joining the Nantucket team, donating or both. The donations will be shared both with Mass Audubon and the Maria Mitchell Association. They will support science education, climate change initiatives, and making the outdoors more accessibile.

Friends, members and supporters of Mass Audubon's Nantucket Widlife Sanctuaries and the Maria Mitchell Association have come together to collectively identify as many species of birds in a 24-hour period and also complete other fun, nature-based activities from their home. Bird-a-thon serves as a reminder of the variety and abundance of wildlife that surrounds us and our responsibility to preserve their habitats.

This year, I am raising money for the Bird-a-thon because I believe in the importance of protecting the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. I support the Maria Mitchell Association and Mass Audubon's efforts to protect and steward the environment of Massachusetts through conservation, education, and advocacy.

Please join me in supporting this important work by making a donation through my personal fundraising page.